SIR IAIN VALLANCE'S STATEMENT ON PAY

That this House notes with disdain Sir Iain Vallance's comments to the Employment Committee on 31st January suggesting that a National Health Service junior doctor's job might be more relaxing than his current position as Chairman of BT; notes particularly the results of a recent survey which showed over 50 per cent. of junior doctors worked beyond the recommended 72 hours on pay as low as ú12,500 a year; believes this compares dismally with Sir Iain's current ú663,000 BT salary including a bonus of ú185,000 and other benefits of ú13,000; further notes that Sir Iain's non-executive directorship on the board of the Royal Bank of Scotland brings in a further ú50,000 for one-and-a-half days a month, a weekly rate of ú13,710; considers this vastly over inflated salary is neither fair or just reward but a breeding ground for resentment - particularly within his own company - especially if one compares the weekly pay of various grades in BT, notably a domestic cleaner on ú162.99, an operator on ú193.49, and a clerical assistant on ú190.91; and reminds him that it is thanks to the efforts of the workforce, especially CWU members, that last year he pocketed a performance bonus of ú185,000, an increase of 105 per cent., whilst the workforce settled for a 2.9 per cent. and that since privatistion in 1984 CWU members wages have risen by 80 per cent. whilst his have rocketed by 687 per cent. (Relevant registered interest declared)